Interviews of city manager candidates get underway

Roseville has inched closer to hiring a new city manager.
The City Council began interviewing candidates for Roseville’s top administrator last week. The new city manager will be selected from the 63 candidates who applied, and the council will likely fill the position between April and June, said city spokeswoman Megan MacPherson.
Mayor Gina Garbolino previously told the Press Tribune that the council seeks a candidate who demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, and the experience and knowledge to lead a big, complex organization.
The city manager oversees the administration of the city’s government, which includes the budget, day-to-day departmental operations and future development plans. The city manager carries out the policies and directives of the city council and mayor.
The hunt for a new city manager followed the dismissal of former City Manager Craig Robinson in November of 2009. Last October, the city council placed Robinson on paid administrative leave before voting unanimously for his resignation in November. Robinson had served as city manager since 2003.
In a separate vote, council voted 4-1 to spread out Robinson’s severance package over the course of a year, rather than pay him a lump sum. His contract called for an additional 12 months of pay and benefits, which brought his severance to $390,136. As city manager, Robinson earned an annual salary of $273,000, which drew some criticism from Roseville residents.
“The council will negotiate a (new) contract directly with the new city manager,” MacPherson said.
Mike Shellito has served as interim city manager since the departure of Robinson. He will continue to serve in this position until the city council hires a permanent city manager.
Sena Christian can be reached at senac@goldcountrymedia.com.